Prometheus rebound

The feature "Building for a cooler planet" conflated energy saving with reducing carbon dioxide emissions (28 July, p 8). Yes, reducing CO2 will certainly help to save the planet from global warming, but energy reduction is a different kettle of fish. Unfortunately, many economists propose that energy reduction leads to economic growth, and thus to more energy being expended.

How this may happen is easily illustrated. Mr A gets rid of his second car, puts energy-saving light bulbs into his house, and has his holiday in Brighton instead of Barbados. At the end of the year, he is several thousand pounds better off. What does he do with the money? Spends it. And whatever he spends it on is likely to involve more energy expenditure.

Similarly, Ms B has a business. She too puts in energy-saving measures and at the end of the year shows a surplus. What does ...

To continue reading this article, subscribe to receive access to all of newscientist.com, including 20 years of archive content.

To continue reading this article, log in or subscribe to New Scientist